The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that the Connecticut Department of Public Health will receive a $556,000 grant to construct an emergency waterline and pumping station aimed at protecting Montville's drinking water system from drought. This funding is part of a larger $25.5 million initiative by the Biden-Harris Administration to support drinking water systems in underserved, small, and disadvantaged communities while addressing climate change impacts.
This marks the first allocation under the Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program, with 16 recipients selected across states from Connecticut to Alaska.
The proposed project in Montville includes installing a new water main to provide an emergency interconnection between Southeastern Connecticut Water Authority’s Montville and Seven Oaks Divisions distribution systems. Additionally, a new drinking water pumping station will be constructed to ensure adequate pressure, enabling the Seven Oaks Division to supply water to Montville during periods of drought or heavy summer use.
"Every person deserves access to clean and safe drinking water," said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Today's announcement represents another crucial step toward building the resilience of our water infrastructure."
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal emphasized the importance of this funding in light of recent extreme weather events in Connecticut: "I am thrilled the Connecticut Department of Public Health was awarded this $556,000 in federal funding."
Senator Chris Murphy highlighted the necessity for resilient infrastructure: "This $556,000 will help fund an emergency waterline and pumping station in Montville."
U.S. Representative Joe Courtney also praised the initiative: "This new federal funding which I helped secure will protect Montville's water systems from drought."
DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani expressed gratitude for the support: "Installing a new water main and constructing this pumping station will increase access for many households to safe, reliable drinking water services."
Mayor Leonard G. Bunnell Sr. of Montville added: "We are very fortunate to receive assistance in the construction of the emergency waterline and pumping station."
This program was established under America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018, aiming to improve drinking water quality, deepen infrastructure investments, enhance public health and quality of life, increase jobs, and bolster the economy.
The EPA anticipates making awards once legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
